Health for Sale: Walgreens Offers Flu Shot Gift Cards

In an effort to help more Americans stay healthy this flu season, Walgreens — the largest retail provider of flu prevention services in the country — is introducing flu shot gift cards, the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

The flu shot gift cards — which are available at all of the more than 7,500 Walgreens locations across the country — will cost you $29.99, and are good for one flu shot at the store’s pharmacy or Take Care Clinics. Health-conscious consumers will also be able to purchase the gift cards at Walgreens.com.

"Whether you have college kids going back to school or have friends, co-workers or family members you want to protect this flu season, the flu shot gift card is a thoughtful way to make it even easier for them to get a flu shot at Walgreens," Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens executive vice president of pharmacy said in the press release.

While millions of Americans are diligent about getting a flu shot every year, gift cards may also help those who might not otherwise take the initiative to get a flu shot. With these gift cards, you can help protect those closest to you, Crawford added.

The company noted that age restrictions may apply and urged consumers to inquire at their local Walgreens store before purchasing the card.

The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot as soon as they become available.

While flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N1 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season, the CDC said on its website.